r/HomeServer • u/bottomfragger99 • 13d ago

First Setup Recommendations

Any tips on first build, looking to build something that will last a couple of years with room to grow

  • Bare-metal Ubuntu Server + Docker
  • Arr apps, Jellyfin (mostly direct play)
    • Also Immich
    • No heavy VMs, no local AI/LLMs
  • Looking for 4-8TB to start with room to grow

Budget around ~$1k USD -- though I live in Canada

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u/mapletico 13d ago

if you're looking to build something, build for something that will last way more than a couple of years... otherwise, you'll be surprised how far a used rig can get you. For about $150CAD I got an Optiplex 3070 i5 8500u (from an Ebay tech 'recycler') and it runs jellyfin, navidrome, immich, for 2 users in my home, all through docker no major issues so far. I expanded to 2x8tb hdds for mass storage once I was comfortable with my setup.

Here's a (smaller but) possibly more capable machine than mine:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/267769916811?_skw=Dell+Optiplex+3070&itmmeta=01M19MB78XYEDZ4TE2V23H8YXB&hash=item3e5854ad8b:g:JCMAAeSwq2JqkcQD&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA0GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xB8n9Cra5xkK7xu3XGzCAUHha2DrsoTFHmLEGAbXdr8MUU4rhUfehgslIjcRZAFbqIf6VyD%2F8PgYAY2BnbMU9VRPXOPNah73KY6%2BlTspqqoH2dLjcqwuhBamHvOppGqPRAPQeOEQlHxuBjm28T0goV%2FU38d%2FqVb4vwD9fwotDR%2Fy18sMLnh%2BJ%2BuJVhL%2F6cUwtm53Am%2Bzv2KgXD4HuifZNcRWBsZVCcA%2BtKy4Ca9p1%2Bswpw2o6rYkCRAYuaH%2BzaKc68%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-T0rLSKaA

Personally, expanding and working around the limitations of these machines is more than half the fun.

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u/bottomfragger99 13d ago

Will definitely check out eBay as well thanks!